Socialist Alternative

As the Obama administration debates adding tens of thousands more troops to occupy Afghanistan, we say…

Main October 17th demonstration endorsed by: Anti-War Committee; Bread and Roses Forum of the Sisters of St. Joseph; Burnsville and Eagan Peace Vigil; FMLN Minnesota; Freedom Road Socialist Organization; Growing Communities for Peace; Hands Off Venezuela; Iraq Peace Action Coalition; Iraq Veterans Against the War; Lyndale United Church of Christ; Mayday Books; Minnesota Alliance of Peacemakers; Minnesota Tenants Union; Military Families Speak Out; Minnesota Cuba Committee; Pakistan Trade Union Defense Campaign; St. of Arc Peacemakers; St. Paul Regional Labor Federation; Sacred Heart Church, Peace and Justice Committee; Socialist Action; Socialist Alternative; Students for a Democratic Society (U of M); Twin Cities Peace Campaign - Focus on Iraq; Veterans for Peace; Welfare Rights Committee; White Bear Unitarian Church Social Action Committee; Women Against Military Madness; Workers’ International League; Youth Against War and Racism.

These actions are part of a national day of action, with protests happening in dozens of cities across the country. See: http://october17.org/

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WHY WE’RE PROTESTING THE WARS ON OCTOBER 17

Because there are currently more combined troops in Iraq and Afghanistan than at any time under Bush, despite Obama’s Nobel Peace Prize victory.

Because we oppose sending tens of thousands more troops to Afghanistan. Already, the Obama administration has added over 30,000 troops there, doubling the numbers under Bush - but now, they want to send 10,000-45,000 more! 58% of Americans oppose the war in Afghanistan (and only 25% support adding more troops).

Because we want money for jobs, health care, and education, not war. The U.S. spends as much on its military as the rest of the world combined - $713 billion in 2009 - while millions are losing their jobs and homes in the economic crisis.

Because we want our friends and family in the military home now, not risking their lives in unjust foreign occupations. More troops were killed in July and August in Afghanistan than in any other months since the war began. 5,130 U.S. soldiers have been killed in Iraq and Afghanistan thus far, and tens of thousands more severely wounded. 1/3 of all soldiers return with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depression, or traumatic brain injury.

Because 8 years of occupation in Afghanistan does not equal liberation. The lives of Afghans have been worsened through military occupation. Thousands of civilians have been killed by bombs dropped by U.S. and NATO planes. 53% of the population still lives on less than $1 per day, and 77% lack access to clean water. Female literacy rates, 1t 13%, haven’t improved despite the overthrow of the Taliban. Recent elections were marred by fraud and low voter turnout, and the country continues to be ruled by corrupt warlords who have cut deals with the U.S. occupying forces.

Because we are opposed to unjust foreign military occupations and empire. The U.S. was founded by a revolution against British occupying armies. The Iraqi and Afghan people have the right to run their own countries, free from foreign occupation.

It is only by building a movement in the streets that we can force the politicians to end these unjust wars!